Based upon mandates from the federal government, Michigan amended its underground storage tank (UST) rules to require that each UST facility have Class A, Class B, and Class C operators. These Michigan rules became effective on May 8, 2012, with a deadline for operator certification of August 8, 2012. The categories of operators are as follows:

Class A: This person has primary responsibility to operate and maintain the underground storage tank system. For a typical gas station, it is the owner of the station or his designee. For large corporations, it is the manager or designee responsible for tank operations. The Class A operator can also be designated as a Class B operator as long as he/she has passed the Class B operator exam. A broad knowledge base is required for a Class A operator.

Class B: This individual implements the day-to-day aspects of operating, maintaining, and record keeping for underground storage tank systems at one or more facilities. For a typical gas station, it is the owner or the person/company contracted by the owner to maintain the tanks. For large corporations, it is the employee, person/company contracted by the corporation to maintain the tanks. The Class B operator must have in-depth knowledge of tank system operation and maintenance.

Class C: This individual is responsible for responding to alarms or other indications of emergencies caused by spills, releases, or overfills associated with an underground storage tank system. For a typical gas station, this is the cashier. A test is not required, however this person must be trained in responding to releases, alarms, and emergency conditions. Training can be performed by Class A or Class B operators, or by third-party vendors. Class C operator training must be documented.

Beginning August 9, 2012, DEQ inspectors (Hazardous Materials Storage Tank Inspectors) have been checking for compliance with this new certification requirement as a part of their UST facility inspections. Due to the compressed timeframe for training and testing, the DEQ has stated that enforcement actions will not be taken until January 2, 2013.